§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the strategic and procurement implications of a merger between British Aerospace and DASA; and if he will make a statement. [56421]
§ Mr. George RobertsonThe Government have encouraged defence and aerospace companies to restructure but have always made it clear that it is for Industry to decide how to do so. Should British Aerospace and DASA propose a merger at some stage in the future it would then be subject to the normal regulatory process, to which the MOD would be asked to contribute advice in confidence.